Retractable Sealing Element for Fluid Infusion Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid infusion devices face challenges in creating a reliable seal between a removable fluid reservoir and a delivery needle, particularly during reservoir replacement, which can lead to contamination and inefficiencies in medication delivery.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with a base section, tip section, and retractable body section, featuring a needle cavity and self-sealing slit, that accommodates and secures the fluid delivery needle, ensuring a fluid seal both during and after reservoir installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a removable fluid reservoir is used in a fluid infusion device, then the device allows for reservoir replacement to maintain hygiene and continue treatment, but the seal between the reservoir and delivery needle may be compromised during replacement, leading to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element incorporates a retractable body section that can dynamically change position between retracted and extended states. During reservoir installation, the body retracts to allow needle access; during storage, it extends to seal the needle cavity. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between reservoir replaceability and seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is divided into distinct functional sections: a base section for structural support, a retractable body section for dynamic sealing, and a tip section with self-sealing slit for needle accommodation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, maintaining seal integrity while enabling reservoir replacement.
2Reliability
If the sealing element remains extended to protect the needle, then contamination is prevented, but the reservoir cannot be installed or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is pre-configured with a retractable body section that automatically retracts when the reservoir is installed. This preliminary design allows the needle to be exposed only when needed for reservoir installation or removal, while remaining protected during normal operation and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element automatically transitions between retracted and extended states based on the presence or absence of the reservoir. The internal relief features and self-sealing slit enable the element to self-regulate its position without external control, protecting the needle automatically when the reservoir is removed.
3Ease of operation
If a self-sealing slit is provided in the tip section, then the needle can pass through during installation, but fluid leakage may occur when the sealing element is not properly sealed
Solution Approach 1:
The tip section of the sealing element features a self-sealing slit with localized sealing properties. The slit is designed to be permeable to the needle during installation but impermeable to fluid during normal operation. This local quality differentiation allows needle insertion while preventing fluid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sealing slit changes its effective parameters based on the state of the sealing element. When the body section is retracted, the slit opens to accommodate the needle; when the body section is extended, the slit closes to prevent fluid leakage. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between needle insertion ease and fluid seal reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sealing element effectively prevents contamination and ensures consistent fluid delivery by forming a reliable seal around the needle, allowing for safe and efficient operation of the fluid infusion device.
Implementation Method 1
a self-sealing slit formed in the tip section to accommodate the hollow fluid delivery needle when the sealing element is in a retracted position
Implementation Method 2
a retractable body section between the base section and the tip section... that promotes deformation of the sealing element and retraction of the sealing element over the hollow fluid delivery needle
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.